How long it takes: 18 minutes Equipment you’ll need: air fryer Servings: 2 as a main dish Seafood can be a tough sell for picky eaters but air fryer salmon bites is the kind of recipe that will get a thumbs up from folks who normally turn up their noses at anything fish related. Present the salmon bites as “salmon nuggets” and serve them with a favorite dipping sauce. Watch them disappear!
Quick & Easy Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Cooked to perfection. The air fryer results in salmon that’s tender and juicy. Plus, the air circulating around the salmon bites gets them ever-so-slightly crispy on the outside, which I love. So much flavor. If you have a weakness for sweet-and-savory, you’re going to flip for these air fryer salmon bites. The brown sugar adds enough sweetness to balance the savory spice blend without overdoing it. Easy to make. Like air fryer steak bites and air fryer meatloaf, the air fryer makes these salmon bites quick and easy which takes the stress out of putting dinner on the table. So many ways to enjoy them! Baked chicken breast has nothing on these air fryer salmon bites. Tuck them into tacos or wraps, add them to meal bowls and salads, use them to add protein to pasta, or serve them as an appetizer at a party with a dipping sauce.
Ingredient Notes
Salmon: Buy skinless salmon or remove the skin with a sharp knife before you get started. A thick center cut fillet works better for salmon bites than the ends of the fillets because it’s easier to cut into uniformly sized cubes. I figure about 6 oz. of salmon per person but you can adjust the amount as needed. Brown Sugar: You can use dark brown sugar for a more sassy molasses flavor, or light brown sugar for a milder flavor. The brown sugar not only adds flavor but it also slightly caramelizes the outside of the salmon, making an irresistible glaze. Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, black pepper, and kosher salt add ALL the flavor to this recipe. They’re simple pantry ingredients that you can easily adjust to your preference.
How to make Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Prep the salmon. If the salmon has skin on it, use a very sharp knife to trim it off. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels. Cut the salmon into 1-inch cubes, as uniformly as you can, so it cooks evenly. Make seasoning. In a shallow bowl, stir together the brown sugar and all of the seasonings until well-combined. Season the salmon. I find that the easiest way to season the salmon is to simply gently stir the salmon bites into the spice rub, making sure they’re well-coated on all sides. Arrange in air fryer. Add the salmon bites to the basket of your air fryer, arranging them so there is a bit of space between each piece. Air fry. Air fry at 400°F for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and golden brown on the outside. If you have an instant read thermometer, check the internal temperature by inserting the probe into the center of a couple of the bites. It should be 145ºF or close to it. The salmon should flake easily and not be dark pink in the center.
Tips for Success
Cut evenly-sized pieces. If your salmon bites are all different sizes, they’ll finish cooking at different times, which is annoying at best and gives you a mix of over- and under-cooked salmon at worst. Buy thick center cut fillets for the best results. Adjust the seasonings. You can use a seasoning blend you like for salmon or come up with your own combination. For a less smoky flavor, reduce the amount of smoked paprika by half. Try my Cajun seasoning, fajita seasoning, or BBQ rub. No need to flip or shake. While you can flip the salmon at the halfway point if you’d like, I did a side-by-side comparison of these air fryer salmon bites both with and without turning them and found that there wasn’t much of a difference. To save myself the work, I usually skip it. Don’t overcook the salmon. I recommend using an instant-read thermometer for perfect cooking; you’ll want the salmon to reach 145ºF. This is key to tender, juicy salmon! Too much cooking results in dry tough salmon.
Serving Ideas
Sauces. Dip the salmon bites in hot honey, barbecue sauce, or homemade tartar sauce. French fry dipping sauce is really good, too, and so is homemade ranch dressing. Vegetables. Just about any veggie side can be paired with air fryer salmon! Try something simple like sautéed summer squash and zucchini ribbons or roasted green beans. Sautéed asparagus or sautéed zucchini are super easy. Salad. Add the salmon to cabbage salad with honey lime dressing or barley salad with tomatoes and cucumber. It goes great with warm kale salad with roasted vegetables, too. Meal bowls. Air fryer salmon bites work well in this salmon bowl recipe!
Storing & Reheating Leftovers
Refrigerate: Leftover air fryer salmon bites can be refrigerated for up to 2 days in an airtight container. Reheat: The best way to reheat salmon bites is to briefly air fry them again at 400ºF just until warmed through, typically no more than 3 minutes. They can also be eaten cold or you can zap them briefly in the microwave until they’re warmed up.
Leftover Love
Toss leftovers with summer pasta salad instead of salami for a different spin on this recipe, or use it in another simple pasta salad to add a protein boost. Interested in a weekly meal plan that includes this recipe? Take a look at Meal Plan #85. You’ll find a wholesome recipe for each weekday plus a categorized grocery list. We add a new meal plan weekly.
